Several mainstream U.S. news outlets, including CNN, are reporting that National Security officials in Washington D.C. have recently met with top telecom executives in order to discuss a targeted Chinese espionage operation targeting senior political officials in the United States.
Chinese hackers have reportedly obtained the ability to spy on both text messages and phone calls through several service providers in the U.S.. These virtual intruders have allegedly proven difficult to remove from various telecom networks.
White House officials told CNN that National Security officials hoped to learn more about defending against these foreign intruders during the recent meeting. The breach of information, and the scope of its pervasiveness, are proving to be truly shocking.
The incoming Trump Administration is now tasked with dealing with a potential spying ring that has breached some of America’s largest telecom service providers.
Who Has Been Targeted In The Chinese Espionage Campaign?
Several outlets have reported that the list of individuals targeted by this hack tally, in total, less than 150 individuals. Most of these people live in the Washington D.C. area, according to Senator Mark Warner who spoke to CNN about the subject.
The hack may potentially extend to individuals who were in contact with any of the 150 individuals who were allegedly targeted by the Chinese, who deny any involvement in the hack.
Of the targeted individuals, several have been named, including Vice President-elect J.D. Vance, President-elect Donald Trump, Jared Kushner, and President-elect Trump’s son Eric Trump.
It is presumed that this hack largely targeted officials on the political right.
Which Companies Were Targeted As Part Of The Chinese Espionage Campaign?
It is being reported by several outlets that AT&T, Verizon and Lumen were all targeted as part of this campaign.
The Worst Telecom Hack In U.S. History
Senator Mark Warner, who chairs the Senate Intelligence Committee, told CNN that this breach of information by China is “the worst telecom hack in our nation’s history.”
“By far,” the Senator added.
With more hawkish Republicans being named to the incoming Trump Administration, such as Florida Senator Marco Rubio and Florida Republican Representative Michael Waltz, it is expected that tensions between China and the United States may rise within the next four years.
China has made remarkable progress in their quest to build a ‘second world economy’ during the Biden Administration, something that has been heavily criticized by the former President throughout his campaign.
While we still don’t know what exactly has been exposed, the fact that Chinese hackers so easily gained access to our infrastructure is simply alarming.
